As our mission states, “we will go wherever the audience is”. Yes, sometimes that’s a plush city-centre theatre. But often it’s a pub or community centre or social club or church hall on a suburban council estate or out in the countryside or the middle of an ex-mining community. If somewhere has a space big enough for a live performance with an audience, even if compact, we’re there!

“Red Ladder Local can be described as “useful outsiders”.  Some agencies come and go, often pushing a short-term agenda. Red Ladder Local are consistent, have worked alongside us for many years and always put their knowledge, resources and contacts at our disposal. We recognise that they know so much more than we ever will about theatre, and they recognise we know more about what would work in Belle Isle. It is a pleasure to work with them for the benefit of our community.” Peter Sutton – Belle Isle Tenant Management Organisation

Red Ladder Local enables our productions, participatory workshops and other, often emerging, artists’ shows to be experienced in non-traditional theatrical venues, convenient for local audiences who often don’t usually visit theatres.

“Being able to concentrate on something for an hour provides a break from stress, depression and their anxieties.” Community Support Manager

“Great opportunity to bring me kids to theatre at an affordable price.” Audience member.

Set, lighting and sound rigs tour with a professional Red Ladder crew to take the theatre experience to the community venues: local transport being one of two main reasons residents have given for not travelling to see shows in theatres.  

“Just what the village needs.” Audience member.

“Having Red Ladder come to us has helped expose our members and members of our local community to an alternative theatre experience that they wouldn’t normally be exposed to.” Susan Childs – Hawksworth Older People Support Services (HOPS)

Check out our current Red Ladder Local performances! 

Alex Dunlop: comedy course leader

As well as high-quality performances, local communities can engage in professionally run creative participatory courses like stand-up comedy, acting and clowning; getting them out of the house and sometimes taking them out of their comfort zone.

“I’ve loved taking part and going on this journey with people I wouldn’t usually cross paths with, and just want to say thank you for the opportunity you guys are providing for people to shake off the cobwebs and get laughing with some strangers, and for making it so inclusive by being free so that anyone can attend.” Comedy course participant.

Often residents are comfortable in these familiar surroundings so taking a risk for an hour or so for around a fiver, allowing them to experience something they would never normally do with friends and family, is not as big a leap as in a new setting.

Sometimes this has led to people pursuing professional careers in the arts or continuing to perform in their own time. Or often cited as improving their mental wellbeing.

“I feel more confident about speaking to others and in myself.” Acting course participant.

It also means that these brilliantly warm and friendly community hubs also welcome new people which gives them a chance to showcase their amazing facilities and what else they have to offer.

“Red Ladder Local has enabled us to reach a wider audience and helped put the Grove Hall South Kirkby on the map as an arts venue.” Councillor Charles Robinson – South Kirkby & Moorthorpe Town Council 

Check out our current Red Ladder Local workshops and how to get involved! 

Thank you to our amazing partners The Grove Hall South Kirkby, The Cluntergate Centre Horbury, Belle Isle TMO Leeds, Hawksworth Older People’s Support Service Leeds and St John’s Parish Hall Staincross Barnsley for ALL you do.

We are very grateful to Wakefield Council, Leeds City Council, Arts Council England and Leeds Inspired for subsidising programmes of activity, allowing us to make most activities free, as cost was the other main barrier to participation and engagement in theatre.

“What an awesome, supportive opportunity.” Audience member.

“I think it’s just been a great release for someone like me that has creativity but no real outlet.” Comedy course participant.